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Geotechnical verifications using the finite‐element method?
Author(s) -
Heibaum Michael,
Herten Markus
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
bautechnik
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.224
H-Index - 17
eISSN - 1437-0999
pISSN - 0932-8351
DOI - 10.1002/bate.200910037
Subject(s) - finite element method , reliability (semiconductor) , structural engineering , engineering , geotechnical engineering , set (abstract data type) , reliability engineering , civil engineering , power (physics) , computer science , physics , quantum mechanics , programming language
Geotechnical design is increasingly carried out by incorporating the finite element method (FEM), supported by increasing PC‐power. It is discussed and explained with the help of an example to what extent this method can be used as to verifications according to European and German standards. Safety margins given in the standards are based on certain models and the according experience, which cannot be transferred to other approaches. It is shown that actions and effects determined by FEM are applicable in verifications according to DIN 1054 and EN 1997‐1, “Design approach 2*”. Resistances can also be calculated using FEM, but there is not enough experience to date to judge the reliability of such approaches. Resistances should therefore be determined in the traditional way. Consequently, there is no justification for an alteration of the factors of safety as set in the standards at the present time.